I am a native of Chapel Hill and part of a very artistic family. As a child I loved animals and spent many wonderful hours exploring the woods, making up stories, and creating imaginary worlds. Along with my interest in nature came a growing love for science fiction and fantasy, mostly encouraged by my dad. But it was my mother who gave me space in our kitchen to be creative and encouraged me to see myself as an artist. 

After High School, I was given a chance to take pottery classes at a local design school and began making animals and creatures out of clay. Eventually I bought my own Cone 6 oxidation kiln, purchased Standard 112 clay and chemicals for mixing glazes, and set up a small pottery shop in my parents basement. Friends and family encouraged me to show my clay creatures at Carolina Friends School and local art fairs and the response was so positive I applied to college as an art major. 

For more than 30 years I was a production potter and made and sold my hand-built pottery creations, castles, dragons, wizards, and other fantasy creatures. When my husband retired we opened a home based arts afterschooI program. During my years as an artist I have taught classes in my pottery studio and offered a summer arts experience for children. 

My love of nature and the created world is joined with my imagination and desire to create new magical worlds. I also have a passion to pass along that experience to a new generation of artists and nature lovers. Even after all these years I still have a passion for teaching and sharing my love of pottery as a means of self-expression and self-discovery. 

For more information about Cely and her work please visit her website.